A recent report published by the civil society initiative “Our Media” highlights critical trends and challenges impacting media freedom in Turkey and other Western Balkan countries. Compiled over a six-month period, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the media landscape, focusing on issues such as freedom of expression, the rights of journalists, and the increasing pressures facing media professionals. This report underscores the urgent need for reforms to ensure the sustainability and independence of journalism amid growing governmental and economic constraints.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Shrinking space for freedom in the media landscape |
| 2) Declining representation: Kurdish media and minority outlets at risk |
| 3) Declining trust in media and public engagement |
| 4) Deteriorating conditions and calls for reform |
| 5) About the project |
Shrinking space for freedom in the media landscape
The report reveals that media ownership in Turkey is predominantly controlled by companies with close affiliations to the government. Over 80% of media outlets are owned by enterprises that have economic and political ties to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). This concentration of media ownership raises significant concerns regarding editorial independence and the diversity of voices represented in the media landscape.
Additionally, large conglomerates benefit from government contracts and public funding, which further compromises independent journalism. The report highlights how financial challenges faced by independent media outlets—due in part to advertising restrictions imposed by the Press Advertisement Institution (BİK)—have made it increasingly difficult for them to uphold their operations. Furthermore, institutions such as the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) continue to impose broadcast bans and fines primarily targeting critical content.
Government regulation has extended into the digital realm as well, with laws enacted in 2020 and 2022, specifically targeting social media and misinformation. These legal frameworks have significantly broadened the government’s capacity to control online discourse, thereby restricting independent media visibility and promoting government-friendly narratives through manipulated algorithms by platforms like Google.
Declining representation: Kurdish media and minority outlets at risk
The report underscores the alarming underrepresentation of certain groups within the Turkish media, notably women, LGBTI+ individuals, minorities, and opposition voices. It notes that media outlets serving minority populations—specifically those recognized under the Treaty of Lausanne—receive minimal state support, exacerbating their vulnerability in an already oppressive environment.
In particular, the financial assistance provided by the BİK to minority media has seen severe reductions, threatening the survival of newspapers serving Armenian, Rum, and Jewish communities. Moreover, Kurdish media suffers from systemic suppression, with many journalists facing harsh accusations of terrorism. As a consequence, significant portions of Kurdish media have been forced to operate under severely restricted conditions or shutter altogether due to government intervention.
Declining trust in media and public engagement
The findings from the report also point to a sharp decline in public trust toward media organizations in Turkey. Trust levels have plummeted to just 35%, primarily driven by perceived political manipulation, biased reporting, and extensive censorship practices. This erosion of trust undermines the public’s ability to engage thoughtfully with news and information sources, leaving many susceptible to misinformation.
The report highlights economic insecurities faced by many independent journalists, a significant increase in freelance work without benefits, and very low wages. The lack of media literacy among the general population compounds these problems, as an uneducated audience is less equipped to discern credible sources of information from deceptive ones, perpetuating a culture of skepticism toward media overall.
Deteriorating conditions and calls for reform
Turkey’s position on key global democratic indices has raised alarms among advocates for press freedom and democratic accountability. The country currently ranks 102nd out of 167 on the Democracy Index, indicating a categorization as a hybrid regime, while it has fallen to the 165th spot on the Corruption Perceptions Index. The report forewarns that without substantial reforms targeting media freedom, judicial independence, and transparency, Turkey’s democratic reversals will likely continue.
To remedy the current situation, the report calls for the implementation of robust protections for journalists, equitable media funding distribution, and new legal frameworks that promote freedom of expression. It emphasizes the critical need for reforms to address the challenges faced by the media in Turkey, warning that time is ticking for effective change.
“In Turkey, the media and democracy landscape faces critical challenges that hinder freedom of expression and pluralism, including restrictive legal frameworks, economic instability, and cross-ownership structures in media. While digitalization has transformed news consumption, the government’s increasing control over online platforms has intensified concerns about censorship and led to growing self-censorship practices.” – Sinem Aydınlı
Public trust in the media is fraught with complexities, as perceptions of biased reporting and political interference drive skepticism among citizens regarding media integrity.
About the project
The “Our Media: A Civil Society Movement for Expanding Media Literacy and Activism, Preventing Polarization, and Promoting Dialogue” initiative serves as a three-year project focused on fortifying the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs), media professionals, and young activists across the Balkans and Turkey. By tackling issues related to media freedom and sustainability, this project strives to create a more resilient democratic environment.
Launched with support from the European Union, the project encompasses a variety of partner organizations dedicated to these goals, including the South East European Network for Professionalization of Media (SEENPM), the Albanian Media Institute, and various others from jurisdictions throughout the region.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The report by “Our Media” highlights major challenges facing journalists in Turkey and the Western Balkans. |
| 2 | Turkey’s media landscape suffers from significant government influence and ownership monopolization. |
| 3 | Minority and Kurdish media face substantial challenges and repression, impacting their sustainability. |
| 4 | Public trust in Turkish media has declined significantly, attributed to biased reporting and censorship. |
| 5 | Calls for urgent reforms have been emphasized to ensure media freedom and support for journalists. |
Summary
The report presented by the “Our Media” initiative paints a grim picture of the current media landscape in Turkey, marked by restrictions, monopolization, and a perilous drop in public trust. The alarming trends identified necessitate urgent reforms to safeguard journalistic independence, promote diversity in media representation, and enhance protections for journalists. As democratic institutions continue to face challenges, the report emphasizes a unified call for action to reinforce the core tenets of democracy and free expression within Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What does the report focus on regarding media issues in Turkey?
The report focuses on critical issues such as media ownership, the challenges faced by journalists, freedom of expression, and the overall democratic conditions affecting the media landscape in Turkey.
Question: Why is trust in media declining in Turkey?
Trust is declining primarily due to perceived political interference in media content, biased reporting, and increasing censorship, making the public skeptical of news sources.
Question: What reforms are suggested to improve media conditions in Turkey?
The report suggests reforms that include stronger protections for journalists, fairer media funding distribution, and new legal frameworks to promote freedom of expression to counteract the current oppressive environment.
